Navigating the Road on Your Temporary Tire
From my experience, many drivers see the spare tire, often called a donut, as a simple fix after getting a flat, but it’s a temporary patch with a strict purpose: getting you to a safe location. Think of the “50/50 rule” as your guide: a maximum speed of 50 mph for no more than 50 miles. Pushing beyond this is incredibly dangerous, especially for your passengers. This is because a smaller donut completely changes your vehicle’s handling and puts uneven stress on the suspension and other components. It’s not built like a regular tire and can’t absorb significant impacts, which can lead to a total loss of control and create a higher risk of accidents.
When you first get a flat tire, your priority is managing the situation: turn on your hazard lights, slow down, and pull over. Once you replace the flat with the spare, your next goal is a repair shop. Continued driving on it isn’t just about the risk of another puncture; it’s about preventing further damage to the wheels or the rim. Any sudden attempt to maneuver quickly becomes a hazard itself.
The only real exception to this immediate need for a fix is if you have run-flat tires, which are designed to keep you going for about 50 miles after getting a flat. If you’re ever unsure about the process, a detailed, step-by-step guide is invaluable; our blog post, “How to Replace a Tire Safely,” can walk you through it.
How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
It is absolutely a misconception that a donut spare tire is a longer-term solution. When you get a flat, that compact spare is meant for temporary use to get you to a repair shop. I remember a time my friend tried to make it all the way to another city on his; it was a rough ride and a dangerous gamble.
In most cases, it is advised to avoid driving more than 50 miles on it, and its speed rating is usually no more than 70 mph. If you have a full-size spare, you might be able to drive a bit more, but its purpose is still to allow you time to replace your main tire as it is not a permanent to permanent replacement and is to be used in emergencies. The bottom line is, spare tires are not meant for continuous use. you need to get your main tire fixed or completely replaced as soon as possible.
How Fast Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
On the highway, driving on a donut spare tire can feel like your car is an airplane ambling down a runway. It is designed with far less traction and durability than a standard tire, so you should never go faster than 50 mph. I’ve seen people try to push it, but you’re risking your vehicle’s stability and safety. The compact design means it spins at a faster rate as you drive, generating more heat and wear, which is not suitable for longer, faster journeys. You just wouldn’t get the same performance. The speed and distance limitations are in place for a good reason; the spare is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution for typical driving speeds.
How to Drive Safely on a Spare Tire
When you’re on a spare, it’s wise to give yourself extra space between you and other vehicles. The reduced size and treads of a donut can lead to inaccuracies in your vehicle’s speedometers. Using it can also cause your ABS light to turn on and your ABS function improperly.
This is because the smaller tire is spinning faster than the others, which confuses the sensor. For me, it was a surprise when my ABS light came on for the first time. My car started to brake a bit differently, so I had to be much more cautious. For this reason, it’s necessary to give yourself extra space for any surprises. Give yourself more time to react, and be extra careful driving in inclement weather. The temporary tires do not have advanced treads to provide the same level of traction as your regular ones, making them susceptible to hydroplaning in puddles.
You need to be prepared for the fact that a spare is not a safe permanent solution. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for information about the necessary type of spare tire and its proper inflation pressure. Many spare tires have a different inflation pressure needs and should be inspected for proper inflation even when it isn’t in use. They are often forgotten about, but it is important to check the pressure frequently, as a spare tire with low pressure will not be a much help. A spare tire’s lifetime is about ten years, so it’s wise to check the date on the tire so you can replace it before it is too old.
Stay Safe and Be Prepared with Top Driver
Top Driver is the Midwest’s premier driver education school, and we pride ourselves on preparing our students for everything they might encounter on the road. As a former instructor, I can tell you we take learning to drive seriously, and you are covered with our extensive curriculum. Each year, we provide countless hours of in-vehicle training for teen drivers and adult remedial courses, not to mention our free blog covering best road safety practices. Our school has more than 40 locations throughout Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan, so you’re never far from the best resource.
We have gone the extra mile to ensure the safety of our students and instructors. The coronavirus pandemic brought about new vehicle sanitization processes and remote classroom education opportunities. If you are looking for a new driver, our program is a great place to start. We have classes for beginners and those who just need a refresher, including how to handle flat tires, driving on spares, and more. My expertise, and that of Top Driver, takes pride in preparing new drivers to be confident and safe behind the wheel. We believe that proper training is the foundation for a lifetime of safe driving.
Full-Size Spare Tire
Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, often come with full-size spares. These spares are heavy and durable, and the problem is it’s not to the same extent as your car’s other tires. This can negatively impact your vehicle’s handling, particularly on Bay Point roads where I have personally experienced this. Even with a full-size tire, it’s a good idea to replace it as soon as you can. These spares aren’t used as often, so they might have a different wear pattern and compound than your other tires, which can affect your car’s stability.
Space-Saver Spare/Donut Tire
As the name suggests, space-savers were designed to save space and reduce weight in your car. Unfortunately, these compact spares don’t last long. I always advise my friends to be cautious and responsible with them. Generally, it’s urged you don’t exceed 70 miles of driving, or drive faster than 50 mph, while using a space-saver. Check your owner’s manual for exact mileage and speed recommendations for your specific vehicle.
Run-Flat Tire
Compared to regular tires, run-flat tires cost less to maintain. This is because they’re more resilient and can handle hazards such as punctures, which standard tires can’t. Instead of deflating, a punctured run-flat can ride for a long period of time, for about 50 miles before an inevitable replacement. It’s important to note these tires are more expensive to replace than your average tire, but their durability and safety features make them worth the cost for many drivers.
What if You Have a Tire Repair Kit Instead?
Some cars don’t come with a spare tire, but instead, a tire inflator kit for flat tires. Instead of asking yourself, “how long can I drive on a spare,” you may be asking yourself how far a tire repair kit goes. The answer is, probably not far. Inflator kits only work for certain repairs, such as a small puncture. If the tire blows out or the sidewall is damaged, these kits will likely be useless to you. My experience has shown me that these are a temporary fix at best. For this reason, it’s always smart to have a spare on hand, if possible.
Shop New Honda Tires at Winter Honda in Pittsburg!
If your car’s TPMS light illuminates, you should consider replacing your tire with a spare if you can’t make it to a service center. But you shouldn’t drive on a spare as your main tire. A friend of mine did this once and ended up causing more damage than good. It’s a risk that’s just not worth it. If you need new tires, the tire shop at Winter Honda can help you find authorized tires for your Honda model and trim. Our tire repair shop can also address scratches or punctures, so you don’t have to pay for tire replacement ahead of schedule.
We believe in making the process as smooth as possible for our customers. Schedule an appointment near Oakley and Concord. My experience working here has shown me that our team is dedicated to providing the best service and getting you back on the road safely. We offer reliable repairs to save you from having to buy a whole new set of tires, which is a great relief for many customers.